Friday, November 30, 2007

Chase just isn't into any part of the grooming process. She hates brushing her teeth, won't stand for having her hair brushed, won't sit still long enough for me to clip her nails. Won't keep barrettes in her hair (to keep hair out of her eyes).

And as a result, she arrives at the park and ready for play dates with unkempt hair (that goes every which way), scraggly nails and bad breath. Pretty, oh so pretty.

None here. Except I went to the dentist today and she couldn't numb my nerve. It took about 14 different injections of Novocaine - four of which were injected into tiny holes she drilled into my tooth. I SO dislike (dread) going to the dentist. And I've got three more visits in the pipeline.

As one dentist said to me, "God gave you a lot of gifts, but good teeth was not one of them."

After a brief visit to Birmingham, AL (to see Hubs's parents), we jumped in the car and drove down to Mobile, Alabama (where we were married almost NINE years ago) - where we had Thanksgiving - and then drove on to Jackson, MS (to visit Hubs's grand dad on his father's side) - and then on to Smith Country for a family reunion (on my husband's side) and then on to a pig pull, in the backwoods of Mississippi. Lots of guns, pick-up trucks, great food (some crazy fabulous casseroles), and kids riding dirt bikes (the youngest was age 4 - he had training wheels on his dirt bike!).

And as I have been remiss at posting photos, the next couple posts will be VERY photo heavy and text light.

Friday, November 16, 2007

We went out to dinner tonight, with our neighbors. They brought Cooper, Chase's new ("newww") beau. Cooper's dad asked him, "Who do you love more? me or Chasie?" To which Cooper responded, "Chasie."

Coopers parents swear that the only person he talks about is Chase. All-the-time.

Meanwhile, Chase basically ignored Cooper throughout dinner, sprinkling everything she could find with the grated Parmesan cheese, pepper and salt shakers (we went to our local pizza place.) She was a woman obsessed.

I may just have to get those shakers and fill them with sand and let her loose in the backyard.

Tuesday, November 13, 2007

I used to get offended - even angry - when people asked "do you work outside the home?" I wanted to say, "c'mon, we are not living in the '50s, I have a career." Now I don't even flinch when people ask. I do, however, constantly worry about my career, which was the very thing that defined me, until I had Chase. And now it's like I never even had a "real job."

It's interesting to ask "stay-at-home" moms about what they did before they had babies. Try it. A look comes into their eyes. And they talk about past accomplishments, like they are recounting stories from their great grandmother's time. A time long ago. The details are fuzzy. But they're sure it happened. At least they think it happened.

So what do I do all day? Well, I don't eat bon-bons. I spend almost every minute thinking about what I'm going to do in two minutes time to entertain and educate Chase. And then I think, should I be doing something different? Better? And then I think, if I don't get some adult stimulation, I think my brain will atrophy. It will ooze out of my ears. And for this reason, I often talk to the first adult I see after I leave the house - it's just so refreshing to talk to someone who talks back in complete sentences.

So what do I do all day? I divide it up. First there's breakfast, and a walk around the block with the dog. Chase doesn't care for the morning walks, so I usually have to carry her (now 25lbs), while the dog tugs at his leash. Then we put Tag in his puppy club house and head out - to the zoo, to the Museum of Nature & Science, to the park, to the playground. And then it's back to the house, to walk the dog and have lunch. Then it's nap time. Then Chase wakes up and I try to either get her outside again (after a snack) or do activities inside.

I have also found themes are extremely helpful, as they stimulate both of us. So much so that I've decided to study a new country every week. We take a listen to music from the country, eat foods from the country, learn about famous people from that country and do art projects relating to that country. Last week it was France (Chase loved pointillism, crepes and saying Bonjour.)

Funny story of the week - so we were at the zoo with my Dad. We went to the cafe and I told Chase to say "Merci" to the cashier. I explained to the cashier that it was French week. The cashier said, "Oh, that's great! Arriva-derchi!"

Sunday, November 11, 2007

Chase rarely tests me (thank goodness) and is always a little angel (thank goodness x 2). But there have been moments where she has done something wrong and I have had to tell her "no."

My little cherub takes the "no" very seriously. And she'll go back to the place, where the "no" occurred and say "no" over and over again, pointing to whatever it was she did as if to underscore that she realizes that she did something wrong and won't do it again.

So Hubs and I were talking to each other while Chase was falling asleep last night. We talked about a lot of things. Chase was totally quiet, eyes closed, between us. Our conversation turned to how much it was going to cost to take care of our animals - $45/day. And just as the word "dollar" left my lips, our darling daughter sleepily mumbled, "mee mee."

And this morning, when I told her Yei Yei had flown to Portland, she said "Yei Yei," did her sign for airplane and then said "Oh-Oh-Oh," which is how she says Oregon.

Thanks Dad! We so appreciate you making the trip to Denver. We really enjoyed your visit. I feel SO much better about this house now.

When Chase woke up this morning, she asked about you. Yei Yei? Yei Yei? I told her you took a plane home and she seemed to get it.

Also a very special thank you to Fern, for the oh-so-fabulous bathtub crayon and toys. Bath time has never been so fun. It's all I can do get her out of the bath tub now. Chase gave me a look last time she was in the tub, as if to say, "so this is what bath time is all about. You've been holding out on me mom."

We look forward to seeing you over Christmas and having you both out to snowboard this Winter.

Thursday, November 08, 2007

After picking my dad (Yei Yei) at the airport, we went to the Denver Mint. It was pretty cool, except I couldn't bring anything inside with me. Not even a banana for Chase to eat. And she was hungry. Luckily, she was distracted by all the mee mee.

We learned many interesting facts - like how the penny costs 1.7 cents to make, and how the average life span of a dollar bill is 18 months. We also learned about the new Presidential dollar coins. They look awesome! It was kinda disappointing though, because you were so far away from the money. You are basically in an observation deck. The tour lasted 20 minutes.

From there, we went home and let Tag out to stretch his legs. Then we hit the road, ate Paninis and then to the park. Where she used the slide. Over and over again.

And then it was off to whole foods. We picked up salmon burgers and salads. Yummers. Tomorrow should be interesting...

I had a mole. Until this morning. Now it's gone.But it didn't just disappear. I went to a dermatologist.

I was a little concerned because it had (I believe) been scratched by Chase (or Taggart), and become a bit red and puffy. Gross, I know. More information than anyone needs. I know.

Anyway, I have never been to a dermatologist before - and I really hope I don't have to go back anytime soon. Don't get me wrong, I really liked the doctor. But the office had pictures of people with skin cancer. And I am a worrier. There was one image of a 19-year-old girl who looked perfectly good, great skin, and then another picture showed her skin under a special light. And all the damage that had already been inflicted. Egads.

So the doctor took a look. He said, "I'm sure you have nothing to worry about, but we're going to take it off and send it to a lab." And just like that, my little friend - which has been attached to me at the hip, was gone. He just took it right off. And now I have a big ole owie instead. Fingers crossed it isn't anything serious- and hopefully it leaves only a little scar.

I hope to have many more bikini days left in my future - even if I'm sitting in the shade.

Tuesday, November 06, 2007

I came across a bank today. A bank dedicated to teaching children about money. It's called Young Americans Bank.

I think I'm going to have to take Chase down and open an account for her.And then pay her a penny (I knew pennies were handy for something) for her art work, or for helping out around the house (today she cleared her table after her meal).

Following are the bank's customer statistics:

Number of Total Accounts: 14,762Number of Depositors Reached Since Inception: 54,417Customers in all 50 states and 9 foreign countries

CheckingNumber of accounts: 1,430Average balance: $510Average age: 16Average check written: $35Most common reason for having a checking account: ExperienceAccounts used most often for: Entertainment, Shopping, School Fees

It was remarkably difficult though. The first place I went to vote told me I could only vote (because I had not received a ballot by mail) downtown. So Chase and I went downtown. Only to find out the DMV had misinformed us, and that we were not already registered to vote.

It was at this point that Chase became little miss whine and wiggle - and stayed that way while I filled out paperwork, waited for my ballot to be printed, filled out the ballot (I hope I did everything right, I had all of two seconds to concentrate on things - like instructions - and issues - like should police move marijuana possession to the bottom of their list of things to watch out for and spend their time combating violent crime?) and submitted it.

Monday, November 05, 2007

It's going well. Hubs and I are loving Denver. The air is clear; the sky is blue.The grass is green.The playgrounds are clean.The parents are nice.The sun is out. All the time.Found a local dairy that delivers milk.Taggart has not made a "mess" in several days (knock wood).

But I miss China. And Switzerland. And even London.I miss the crazy, exhausting travel schedule.The people we've met from all over the world.

I miss the awe that overtakes your soul when you stand in front of the Pyramids. I miss enjoying a glass of wine at a rooftop cafe in Shanghai, scaling the Great Wall in Beijing, taking in the view at the base of the Matterhorn - to name a few.

The food - the fish in China (albeit toxic), the fondue at Chasealp and the full English breakfast.

Friday, November 02, 2007

I took Chase to the pediatrician yesterday. She came in at 60% for weight, 90% for height. Shocker. The pediatrician reported her development was very good.

His questions included: can she run? (Yes) How many words does she have? (About 60) Can she string two words together? (Yes) Can she stack 4 blocks? (She stacks 5) Can she show the doctor where the eyes, ears, nose and mouth are on his grubby teddy bear? (Yes) He was noticeably impressed that I already took her to see a dentist. (I got a big mommy gold star for this!)

I declined the flu shot. Controversial, I know. I just can't bring myself to inject Chase with more stuff. Plus I think the flue shot is bogus, anyway. The pediatrician said that since she wasn't in day care, he wasn't worried - plus she was probably exposed to "all kinds of good stuff" while she was in China (which is where the flu comes from he said - I don't buy it). He was impressed with how healthy she's been - as have I. Knock wood.

And, with the tetanus shot she rec'd today, she's up-t0-date, until age 2, when she will receive her second dose of Hep A. And then she's all good until age 6 (I think). Awesome. With all our travels I was really worried about ensuring her "jabs" were on track.

I asked him questions about her dry scalp (he suggested Selson blue, twice a week for a month), about her face - near her mouth (which has been covered with little red dots due to teething - he suggested a little cortisone cream).

In other news...

- The Greek yogurt was very good, but not very thick. I could drink it out of a straw. And it used whole milk and whole yogurt - so maybe I need a yogurt maker after all. Plus, it is appealing to think I could make six different flavors at one time. Oh the things that excite me these days.

- I popped into the Denver International School yesterday - and joined a tour. Chase had the chance to sit in on a Mandarin class for 5-year-olds. I was interested to learn that at age 3, 4 and 5, the kids are in full immersion programs - so there is no English in the classrooms. They were learning colors, animals, sizes, and fruits/vegetables - all of which Chase already knows - and while she can't really say all the words yet, she recognized what they were saying. Of course the bonus is they are being taught by a native speaker, whereas Chase has to suffer through my miserable pronunciation. So after much thought (and a discussion with Hubs) we decided to pour our money into private lessons/tutor/Mandarin play for Chase, rather than into a full-blown International school. We figure we'll do enough travel with her to supplement the "international" part of her education.

- Speaking of which, I met a lovely German woman in the park. She speaks only German to her little girl, who is Chase's age. So Chase will soon have a little German in her life again - only suiting. Perhaps she will learn some German, too!

- The Halloween decorations are down. And I'm pretty sure that Starbucks is serving my favorite coffee drink of all time - the Eggnog Latte - which is only complete with a slice of pumpkin loaf. I might just have to go check it out today. I'm thinking if Walmart moved its Christmas sale up a month, Starbucks must be keeping time.

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About Me

My husband and I seem to have a problem "settling down." Buying a house and moving to the burbs is what you're supposed to do after you get married, right?
So we gave it a go three times. It didn't stick. Our darling daughter, Chase, was born in London. We moved to Zurich, Switzerland when she was 2 months old. We moved to Singapore when she was 7 months old. From there, we moved to Dalian, China, where we spent a year living dangerously, and then on to Denver, Colorado, where darling Madoc was born. Nearly three years later, we relocated to Hong Kong.